Wild Rice Mushroom Pilaf

This Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf is a simple, flavorful side dish filled with mushrooms and hearty wild rice. The wild rice blend brings a delicious nutty flavor and satisfying texture, making this a filling dish that works beautifully alongside a variety of meals.

We love wild rice for its chewy texture and savory, nutty taste. Paired with tender mushrooms and fresh thyme, it creates a comforting combination that feels right at home next to almost any entrée.

If you enjoy dishes that deliver plenty of flavor without a lot of extra effort, this pilaf is one worth adding to your collection. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and packed with ingredients that work beautifully together.

This pilaf feels just a little special while still remaining approachable. Rich, savory, and comforting, it’s the kind of side dish that can easily become the highlight of the meal without trying too hard.

Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering, a Sunday dinner, a meatless meal, or simply looking for something cozy to serve during the week, this Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf fits the occasion. It delivers plenty of flavor using simple, wholesome ingredients.

The combination of wild rice and mushrooms creates the foundation of the dish. Wild rice adds a chewy, nutty texture, while mushrooms bring savory depth and earthy flavor. Aromatics like onion, garlic, and shallots build even more flavor as they cook.

Using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water adds richness throughout the pilaf. Fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, and chives provide a bright contrast to the earthy ingredients, helping balance every bite.

A small amount of dry white wine adds another layer of savory flavor and enhances the natural earthiness of the mushrooms. It doesn’t stand out on its own but helps create a more complex and well-rounded dish overall.

Wild Rice Mushroom Pilaf

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This Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf is a simple, flavorful side dish filled with mushrooms and hearty wild rice. The wild rice blend brings a delicious nutty flavor and satisfying texture, making this a filling dish that works beautifully alongside a variety of meals.

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound mushrooms sliced (cremini and/or a mixture of mushrooms)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• ½ cup dry white wine (4oz)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
• 1 large shallot minced
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves minced
• 2 ¼ cups wild rice blend (16 oz) We recommend Lundberg Wild Rice Blend.
• 4 cups vegetable broth (32oz) low sodium or chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon soy sauce low sodium
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives sliced
• fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Add the mushrooms along with the salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture, the liquid evaporates, and the mushrooms are nicely browned.
2. Pour in the wine and continue cooking for 4–5 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated. Transfer the mushrooms to a bowl and keep warm.
3. Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shallots and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and thyme and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with the wild rice blend. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3–5 minutes, or until the edges of the rice begin to look slightly translucent.
5. Pour in the broth and soy sauce, then stir in half of the cooked mushrooms. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 30–40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5–10 minutes.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork, then gently stir in the remaining mushrooms and the chives. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• This pilaf can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. When reheating, add a splash of broth to help restore moisture and keep the rice tender.
• Serve warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
• A wild rice blend works best for this recipe. Lundberg Wild Rice Blend is a great option, but any similar blend can be used successfully.
• Cremini mushrooms add excellent flavor and texture, though a mix of mushrooms such as button, shiitake, and portobello also works beautifully.
• Keep in mind that cooking times can vary depending on the rice blend you choose. Rather than relying solely on the clock, check the texture of the rice and cook until it is tender.

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